Adapter door frame and door



Feb. 11,1969 0. H. PEASE. JR

ADAPTER DOOR FRAME AND DOOR Filed March 9, 1967 NVENT'O R/s DAV/D #1 51155, J12,

Fia. 20

BY &%adda,.n 4 QWQAWi/dn ATTORNEYS United States Patent 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a building component comprising a metal frame adapted to fit door openings of random size, and a prehung door hinged to said frame. Specifically, the assembly is formed of three channel members, two of which are perpendicular to and secured to the two ends of the third member to form an inverted U. A door, such as described in U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,153,817- Pease, issued Oct. 27, 1964, to the assignee of the present case, is fitted within the three members and hinged to one of said perpendicular members. Thus, by this arrangement of parts, a pre-fabricated door assembly having latitudes in positioning can be secured to the existing door jamb during remodeling or in the initial construction of a building without the necessary fitting problems normally encountered.

The invention By the description to follow, it will become apparent that this invention resides in the provision of an adapter door frame, with preferably a door hinged thereto.

Heretobefore, one problem in the construction and remodeling fields has been the cumbersome task of fitting frames to door jambs, then the door to a frame. Misalignment of parts due to expansion and shrinkage of material caused by the weather, and non-alignment of support members resulted in time consuming fittings and readjustments.

Accordingly, an important object of this invention is to provide an adapter door frame which can be readily secured to existing standard sized door jambs.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a strong pre-aligned adapter door frame, or building component, which is not substantially affected by changes in the weather.

Another object of the invention is the utilization of sheet-like strips of metal formed into three joined channel members which are rigid yet thin enough to blend with existing wall sections.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an adapter door frame with hinged door which can be so arranged as to achieve added support through contact between the hinge and door jamb.

An additional object of this invention is the ease of installation of the building component constructed in accordance with the instant teachings.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a threshold forming an integral part of the adapter door frame and door assembly.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the description to follow, keeping in mind the foregoing objects and remarks, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which drawings like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation, as viewed from the inside of a building, of an adapter frame and door constructed in accordance with this invention.

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FIGURE 2 is an enlarged horizontal section, with parts removed, taken along line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 2a is a section view similar to FIGURE 2 but taken through a standard door and frame.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged section view similar to FIG- URE 2 but taken through a hinge.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged vertical section, with parts removed, taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 1.

Summary of the invention In its preferred form, the adapter door frame and door, or building component, made according to this invention comprises a pair of parallel channel-like members, and a third channel-like member fixed to one end of each of said parallel members. The assembly, when so arranged, may be secured in a manner to be described to an existing door jamb. Each channel-like member is characterized by a first portion perpendicular to a second portion. The assembly is such that the three first portions define a planar surface, whereby the second portions outline a rectangular opening suitable for the reception of a door. While a metal door is preferred, it should be understood that a door made of other materials would likewise be applicable. In any event, a door having hinges thereon, is fastened by means of said hinges to the second portion of one of said parallel members. A convenient means for securing the building unit to enhance the stability thereof, will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Detailed description of invention Turning now to a more detailed description of this invention, it will be observed in FIGURE 1 that the adapter door frame 10 comprises a vertical member 11, a second vertical member 12 whose appearance is substantially a mirror image to member 11, and a horizontal member 13 connecting the upper ends of vertical members 11 and 12. It will be noted that the connecting ends forming corners 14 and 15 are cut at approximately a 45 angle, to thereby enhance the appearance and the joining thereof. This angle is merely preferred and forms no limitation on this invention. The angled ends of the three metal members are then joined, such as by Welding, to form a fiat and smooth transition from one member to another.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing the assembled relationship of the door 20, door jamb 21, and the vertical members 11 and 12. For comparison, FIG- URE 2a illustrates a standard door 20a and door jamb 21a. It will become apparent that the size of door contemplated herein is slightly undersized to enable the assembly to be used with standard or existing door jambs. To a casual observer, however, the differenec will go unnoticed.

Since the adapter door frame 10 is the primary support for the door 20, it must be rigid enough to withstand impact, such as encountered in shipment and subsequent installation during the movement of furniture. Accordingly, the vertical member 11, for example, is channelshaped, wherein the channel is defined by the base 22 and the perpendicular side members 23 and 24. The corresponding members of vertical member 12 are 22a, 23a and 2411. It should be evident from FIGURE 2 that the side members 23 and 23a are larger and lie flush with the adjoining wall portions after installation. The smaller side members 24 and 24a not only give added strength to the assembly but insure the flexibility in positioning the assembly within the door jamlb. Note the space between base member 22 and door jamb 21. By means of said space, adjustments can be made in the placement of the proposed assembly without strict reliance upon the existing door jamb and its alignment.

The horizontal member 13, as best seen in FIGURE 4, has a forward member 25 and a base member 26 perpendicular thereto. By eliminating the second perpendicular member, which has been proposed for vertical members 11 and 12, the space for adjustment has been increased. That is, the assembly can be elevated to a height such that base member 26 lies contiguous with the upper member of the door jamb 21. Further, horizontal member 13 is not subjected to the same stresses found in the vertical members 11 and 12.

The fina-l application for the assembly, whether it be a home or a commercial building, will determine primarily the size and shape selected. For example, a nonlimiting embodiment for a typical home might have the following dimensions, when fabricated from 18 gauge galvanized or cold-rolled steel strip.

Height: 80 inches Width: 36 inches Vertical members: 1% x 1 x W inches Horizontal member: 1% x 1 inches To secure the aforementioned assembly to the door jamb, a plurality of holes 27 are provided in the exposed faces 23, 23a and 25 in frame members 11, 12 and 13 respectively; said holes will be seen to overlie the wooden door jamb 21. A fastener 28, such as a nail or screw, may be used to attach the assembly, in the pre-selected position, through holes 27 to the door jamb 21.

It will be recalled that vertical member 12 is a substantial mirror image of vertical member 11. This is accurate to the extent of the primary shape. Changes are found when it comes to attaching the door 20. A typical door uses three hinges to secure it to its door frame. The standard hinge 30 and one that is compatible with the design of the door, has two arms 31 and 32; this is illustrated in section in FIGURE 3. One arm 31 is fastened to the edge or face of the door such as by screws, the other arm 32 is fastened to the adjacent vertical member, which in this embodiment is vertical member 12. Thus, the latter member will differ from vertical member 11 at least to the extent of accommodating the several hinges. Typically, a hinge is provided with at least three openings per arm to receive fastening elements. These openings provide a simple but convenient means for attaching the hinge to the door and frame. A feature of the preferred embodiment of the assembly as taught herein, is the provision for the further strengthening of the assembly during and subsequent installation. Preferably, at least one of the interior holes of the hinge arm 32 attached to the base portion 22a of frame member 12, is left unfilled until installation. When the assembly is securely in place, a long fastener 33, sufficient in length to enter the door jamb 20, is inserted into said unfilled holes. By this arrangement, the hinge 30 has a dual supportthe frame assembly and the door jamb 20.

For the entrance to a home, commercial building or the like, the assembly can be modified to include a sill and threshold sub-assembly 40. The total assembly is illustrated in section in FIGURE 3. The sub-assembly 40 may comprise as separate components thereof, a threshold 41 and sill 42; alternatively, the sub-assembly may be a single integrated unit. In either case, a typical threshold 41 extends the full length of the opening for the door. Hence, in the present assembly, threshold 41 will extend between base portions 22 and 22a of vertical members 11 and 12 respectively. By the simple expedient of fasten ers projecting through the bottom of vertical members 11 and 12 into threshold 41, said threshold becomes an integral part of the total assembly.

To finish dressing the assembly following installation, molding 50 may be applied around the periphery of the adapter frame 10 to cover the edges of said frame as well as the fasteners 28. For added protection against air leaks around the door, interior molding 51 may be applied in the manner shown in FIGURES 2-4. In the event a metal door is used, i.e., one capable of being magnetized, magnetic weather stripping, such as known in the building trades, may be joined to said interior molding 51 adjacent the metal door. This results in added assurance for a weather tight seal around the door.

Having described the assembly in its most preferred embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of it. Hence no limitation is intended to be imposed herein except as set forth in the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In the construction of a home, commercial building or the like, having a rectangular door jamb defined by wooden structural members, the improvement comprising in combination therewith, said door jamb having a recess extending inwardly of said door jarnb around the inside edge thereof, and an adapter door frame and door assembly receive in the said recess in said door jamb, said assembly comprising a pair of parallel channel-like members, each of said members having a first fiat portion and a second flat portion extending along one edge and perpendicular to its first fiat portion, a third channel member fixed to the ends of said parallel members, said third channel member having a first flat portion and a second flat portion extending along one edge and perpendicular to its first flat portion, whereby the first fiat portions of the three channel members define a planar surface and are secured to said wooden structural members adjacent the recess, the second fiat portions extending into the said recess but spaced from said last named members to outline an opening for the reception of a door, a door received in said opening, and hinge means connecting said door to the second flat portion of one of said parallel channel members.

2. The improved building component as claimed in claim 1 including means incident with said hinge members for securing said hinges to said wooden structural members.

3. The improved building component as claimed in claim 2 including a threshold secured to and extending between said parallel channel-like members.

4. The building component claimed in claim 3 wherein said parallel channel-like members further comprise a flanged portion extending along a second edge of said first flat portion and perpendicular thereto.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,185,650 1/1940 Shipway et al. 49380 XR 2,720,308 10/1955 Howell 49-380 XR 2,835,933 5/1958 Evans 52217 XR KENNETH DOWNEY, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

